In this episode, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes expert guest Adam Yazbeck, a nurse practitioner with a unique background spanning pediatric emergency medicine, intensive care, trauma work, and holistic mental health. Adam breaks down the science of psychedelics, explaining their etymology, how they affect brain function, and why they can enhance neuroplasticity, support trauma processing, and expand consciousness when used responsibly.

Together, they explore the differences between therapeutic and recreational use, the importance of set and setting, and why integration is essential for long-term healing. Adam emphasizes the role of community support and embodied practices in trauma recovery, while Nicky highlights the growing future of psychedelics in mental health treatment and the need for a grounded, science-based approach.

Drawing from 13+ years in pediatric medicine and his work as a psychiatric mental health NP, Adam shares how he blends spirituality, deep psychological work, and neurophysiology to help individuals, especially healthcare workers and trauma survivors, heal in a more holistic way.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Psychedelics and Their Impact

02:54 Understanding Psychedelics: Definitions and Etymology

05:51 The Neuroscience of Psychedelics: Brain Activity and Connectivity

08:45 Psychedelics vs. Traditional Therapy: A Comparative Analysis

11:59 The Role of Intention in Psychedelic Experiences

14:50 Integration: Making Sense of Psychedelic Experiences

17:48 The Science of Neuroplasticity and Psychedelics

20:36 The Balance: Using Psychedelics Responsibly

23:08 The Importance of Integration After Psychedelic Journeys

26:00 The Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity in Psychedelic Experiences

31:02 Reconnecting with Childhood Memories through Trauma Healing

32:41 Understanding Trauma's Impact on the Brain

35:07 The Role of Psychedelics in Trauma Processing

38:21 The Importance of Somatic Experience in Healing

42:27 Integration: The Key to Lasting Change

47:14 The Necessity of Support Systems in Psychedelic Experiences

50:51 The Interconnectedness of Community and Healing

53:02 Psychedelics vs. Traditional Medications: A New Approach

57:29 The Future of Psychedelics in Mental Health Treatment

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Keywords: psychedelics, psychedelic therapy, trauma healing, psychedelic integration, neuroplasticity, consciousness, mental health, brain function, Adam Yazbeck, Nicky Yazbeck, healing journey, therapeutic psychedelics, trauma recovery, holistic therapy, community support, trauma, integration, MDMA, psilocybin, Ayahuasca

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes Shantel Ochoa, a Shamanic Reiki Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, Ceremonialist, and intuitive Oracle and Tarot Reader, for a deeply transformative conversation on archetypes, shadow work, and spiritual healing. Shantel bridges ancient shamanic wisdom with modern energy medicine, helping others awaken to their soul’s purpose and embody a greater sense of inner peace, empowerment, and divine alignment.

Together, Nicky and Shantel explore the four core archetypes that shape every human experience, the Victim, Saboteur, Prostitute, and Child, and how understanding these energetic patterns can reveal hidden aspects of the subconscious mind. Through the lens of shamanic healing, Reiki energy work, and Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), they discuss how to transmute limiting beliefs, reclaim personal power, and cultivate emotional and energetic balance.

This episode invites listeners into a journey of self-awareness, shadow integration, and soul evolution. Shantel shares how archetypes act as mirrors for growth and transformation, guiding us to release old stories and reconnect to our higher consciousness. Blending insights from archetypal psychology, soul contracts, and energy centers (chakras), she illuminates the sacred relationship between trauma healing, intuition, and spiritual awakening.

If you’re drawn to energy healing, Reiki, spiritual self-discovery, or understanding the deeper forces that influence your relationships and personal journey, this episode offers wisdom to help you alchemize pain into purpose and walk your path with clarity, compassion, and courage.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Archetypes

03:02 Understanding Archetypes and Their Origins

04:05 The Four Core Archetypes

08:50 The Victim Archetype

19:56 The Saboteur Archetype

31:00 The Prostitute Archetype

33:27 The Wounded Child Archetype

35:07 Nurturing Self-Love and Expansion

36:35 Understanding the Divine Child Archetype

38:40 Exploring the Nature and Magical Child Archetypes

41:06 The Eternal Child and Its Shadows

42:53 Transmuting the Victim to the Warrior

44:16 The Role of the Saboteur and the Magician

46:07 Catching Negative Thoughts and Shifting Energy

48:17 The Prostitute Archetype and Setting Boundaries

52:22 Healing Family Dynamics and Generational Trauma

54:15 Connecting with Your Inner Child

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Shantel:

[email protected] 

https://www.instagram.com/reiki7pointhealing?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

https://www.instagram.com/reiki7pointhealing?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Keywords: archetypes, personal growth, shadow work, victim, saboteur, prostitute, child, spiritual journey, self-awareness, healing, Caroline Myss

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Alexandre Tsuk, founder of the BreathingCold Experience, to explore the life-changing power of breathwork, cold plunges, and emotional healing. Born in France and now rooted between Bali and India, Alexandre has guided over 7,000 people and trained nearly 600 facilitators in Breathwork, Authentic Relating, Conscious Movement, and Cold Exposure.

What began as a personal journey through depression became Alexandre’s mission to help others reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and return to a state of clarity and joy. Using simple, natural tools like breath, cold, and community, he teaches that true transformation comes not from control, but from surrender.

Together, Nicky and Alexandre dive deep into the science and spirituality of cold therapy, discussing topics like box breathing, contrast therapy, emotional release, shivering as healing, and how cold exposure can activate oxytocin and serotonin production. They also explore why women may not need as extreme cold as men, and how to safely build a sustainable cold practice rooted in mindfulness and presence.

Alexandre emphasizes that when we change our relationship with the breath, we change our relationship with ourselves, and that shift ripples outward into how we show up in the world, with others, and with Mother Earth.  This conversation is an invitation to explore your edges, release control, and reconnect with your truth—one conscious breath and one cold plunge at a time.

Takeaways

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Alex:

https://linktr.ee/breathingcold

https://www.breathingcoldbali.com/

https://www.facebook.com/breathingcold

https://www.instagram.com/breathing_cold

https://www.instagram.com/refillmybottle_/

https://www.facebook.com/RefillMyBottleOfficial/

https://chat.whatsapp.com/FzIxvuZhyBgDjhQcscmp2j

Keywords: breathwork, cold plunge, ice bath, cold exposure, mindfulness, emotional release, nervous system regulation, contrast therapy, fasting, nose breathing, health benefits, wellness, healing journey, self-awareness, trauma release, surrender, resilience, meditation, breathing techniques, holistic health

In this episode of the Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck speaks with Jessica Rector, a #1 best-selling author, motivational speaker, and former TV talk show host, about her transformative “Say Yes” philosophy. Jessica shares how embracing discomfort and stepping beyond her comfort zone helped her combat burnout, rediscover joy, and live a more intentional life.

Throughout the conversation, Jessica reflects on the power of saying yes to new opportunities while also learning when to say no to things that don’t align with personal values. She highlights the importance of play, curiosity, and self-awareness in building courage and confidence. Listeners are encouraged to create their own “Say Yes Bucket List” as a way to take small, meaningful steps toward their dreams.

Jessica’s inspiring stories and practical insights reveal how overcoming fear and reframing discomfort can unlock growth, purpose, and fulfillment. Her message invites listeners to lean into life with openness and intention while cultivating joy, resilience, and a life they truly love.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Jessica:

https://jessicarector.com/

https://www.facebook.com/hellojessicarector

https://www.instagram.com/hellojessicarector

https://www.linkedin.com/in/JessicaRector/

Keywords: saying yes, personal growth, discomfort, mental health, self-awareness, playfulness, intentional living, overcoming fear, self-discovery, bucket list, courage, playfulness, confidence, curiosity

In this episode of the Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck interviews Tracy Fance, an intuitive and hypnotherapist with over 16 years of experience, to explore the profound world of past life regression. Tracy shares her lifelong fascination with past lives and reincarnation, which began in childhood and eventually led her to train as a hypnotherapist. Her journey reveals how unresolved experiences from previous lifetimes can deeply influence our current physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Throughout the conversation, Tracy discusses how past life regression can help individuals uncover the roots of persistent fears, patterns, and even physical ailments, offering a path to release trauma and foster healing. She reflects on the role of karma and how reincarnation supports spiritual evolution, as well as why we often do not remember our past lives in order to focus on growth in the present.

The episode also delves into other thought-provoking topics, including the rise in autistic children and the societal dysregulation that affects their experiences. Tracy introduces the concept of soul families, which are groups of souls that reincarnate together to share lessons, and highlights the significance of choosing life environments that catalyze growth. She emphasizes the importance of emotional connection in parenting, the challenges posed by technology in family dynamics, and the need for compassion toward those facing difficult life paths.

Nicky and Tracy’s dialogue illuminates how transforming trauma into growth, understanding reincarnation’s role in our journey, and fostering emotional connection can lead to profound personal and collective healing.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Tracy:

https://www.facebook.com/tracyfancesoulhealer

https://www.instagram.com/tracyfancesoulhealer/

www.tracyfance.com

www.tiktok.com/tracy_fance

https://www.youtube.com/@TracyFanceSoulHealer

Keywords: past life regression, reincarnation, hypnotherapy, spirituality, karma, spiritual evolution, intuitive, paranormal, consciousness, energy, autism, dysregulation, soul families, reincarnation, trauma, healing, Akashic records, parenting, societal change, emotional connection

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Benedict Beaumont, founder of Breathing Space, to explore the life-changing potential of conscious breathing.

Benedict shares his inspiring journey from being a high school teacher, overwhelmed by stress and burnout, to discovering the transformative power of breathwork during a pivotal trip to Bali in 2014. That experience opened his eyes to the innate healing power of the breath. Inspired by this awakening and supported by his wife Jennifer, whom he met at Everest Base Camp, Benedict trained as a breathwork facilitator in 2017 and co-founded Breathing Space in 2018. What began as small workshops quickly grew into retreats and comprehensive facilitator training programs.

Throughout the conversation, Nicky and Benedict discuss the importance of nose breathing and how it supports overall health, as well as the profound role of breathwork in releasing trauma and promoting emotional and spiritual healing. Listeners are guided through live breathwork practices during the episode, experiencing firsthand the calming and grounding effects of conscious breathing.

Benedict also introduces his offerings, including a 400-hour Certified Breathwork Facilitator Training, a 12-week trauma-sensitive Certified Breathwork Coach program, and free online breathwork classes, making his teachings accessible to anyone interested in exploring this transformative practice.

This episode is a powerful reminder of how something as simple and ever-present as our breath can become a tool for deep healing and personal transformation.

Takeaways:

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Breath Connection

04:10 The Transformative Power of Breathwork

07:15 The Journey to Discovering Breathwork

10:20 Daily Breath Practices and Techniques

13:30 Understanding Breath and Its Impact on Health

16:16 The Importance of Nasal Breathing

19:22 Misconceptions About Breathing

21:16 Experiencing Breathwork Together

31:08 Exploring Physical Sensations in Breathwork

37:18 Addressing Common Breathwork Challenges

43:18 Releasing Trauma Through Breathwork

51:13 Practical Breathing Techniques for Everyday Life

55:25 Conclusion and Resources for Breathwork

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Benedict:

makesomebreathingspace.com

facebook.com/makesomebreathingspace

instagram.com/makesomebreathingspace 

https://www.bookyogaretreats.com/breathing-space 

Here are the two gifts - normally $30 but FREE for my listeners

Breathwork for Sleep

Embrace your Inner Child - A Breathwork Journey

Keywords: breathwork, mindfulness, emotional healing, trauma release, breathing techniques, wellness, meditation, personal growth, breath awareness, holistic health, conscious circular breath

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, host Nicky Yazbeck welcomes Amy McNally to explore the practice of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), often referred to as “tapping.” Together, they trace the origins of EFT, explain its scientific foundation, and highlight how this simple yet profound practice combines ancient Chinese acupressure with modern psychology to regulate the nervous system and reduce stress.

The conversation offers listeners a direct, hands-on experience with tapping, guiding them through a live practice designed to ease stress and anxiety in real time. Nicky and Amy also discuss how perspective shifts can unlock deeper healing and lasting change, illustrating EFT’s accessibility and versatility in everyday life.

Amy McNally brings over a decade of expertise in nervous system regulation, backed by a Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in supporting high-performing women, particularly entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them overcome anxiety, self-doubt, and burnout. Having used EFT herself to navigate challenges around business, money mindset, and health, Amy now teaches women how to succeed and scale their impact without sacrificing their wellbeing, health, or peace of mind.

Takeaways::

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Amy:

www.coachamymcnally.com 

www.instagram.com/coachamymcnally

https://amymcnally.thrivecart.com/reset-and-rise-tapping-series/

Keywords: EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT tapping, tapping exercises, stress relief, nervous system regulation, nervous system, anxiety, phobias, self-acceptance, mental health, wellness

Sadhu Dah is a world-traveling digital nomad and spiritualist whose expertise in the occult and esoteric arts has taken him across the globe. Through cultural and spiritual travel documentaries for a major TV network, he captures the wisdom of indigenous peoples and explores what connects us across cultures.

In this conversation, Nicky Yazbeck and Sadhu Dah dive into the profound experiences of connecting with indigenous communities around the world. They reflect on the central role of music and food in community bonding, the contrast between individualism and collectivism, and the deep connection to land and nature that defines many traditional ways of life. The discussion touches on animism as a spiritual practice, indigenous approaches to mental health, and the reverence for elders as carriers of wisdom.

Sadhu Dah shares personal stories from his travels, including experiences in Borneo, and highlights the importance of storytelling, ritual, and communal participation as sources of belonging and healing. The conversation culminates in his path as a Thai Ajahn, where he now teaches shamanism and healing practices, continuing to bridge cultures through spiritual exploration and lived experience.

Takeaways:

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Sadhu:

[email protected]

https://www.thesadhudah.com/

Keywords: indigenous cultures, community, music, food, spirituality, connection to nature, cultural rituals, individualism, community bonding, shared experiences, simplicity, nature, animism, mental health, reverence for elders, storytelling, Borneo, shamanism, animism, world travel

In this episode, Nicky Yazbeck sits down with Erica Bonham to explore polyvagal theory and the vital role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation and mental health. Together, they break down the different states of the nervous system, how co-regulation supports healing, and practical tools that can calm and reset the body. The conversation touches on the impact of collective trauma, the power of mindfulness, and the importance of finding personal practices that truly resonate. Erica also shares accessible exercises for toning the vagus nerve and emphasizes that healing requires both addressing trauma and cultivating joy.

Erica Bonham, LPC, MA, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, certified yoga instructor, speaker, and trainer who blends counseling psychology with somatic and social justice perspectives. She has worked in diverse clinical and community settings, from outpatient mental health teams to teaching yoga in prisons and leading groups for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Erica is committed to dismantling systems of oppression in her work and to helping people find safety, freedom, and connection. A proud mom of two, she draws inspiration from nature, family, and her belief that every person deserves a life of laughter, love, and gratitude.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Polyvagal Theory

04:17 Understanding the Vagus Nerve

07:03 The Importance of Nervous System Regulation

09:55 Techniques for Calming the Nervous System

12:46 Exercises for Vagus Nerve Reset

14:47 The Role of Co-Regulation in Nervous System Health

17:41 Collective Nervous System and Community Support

20:36 Navigating Emotional Responses and Regulation

23:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

26:31 Navigating Relationships and Boundaries

27:31 The Butterfly Hug Technique

30:44 Grounding Techniques: 5-4-3-2-1

35:54 Physical Techniques for Regulation

40:40 The Importance of Twisting and Peripheral Awareness

41:56 Finding Your Own Medicine

46:49 The Balance of Internal and External Support

48:48 Embracing Both-and Thinking

49:59 Exploring the Depths of Healing

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Erica:

https://www.avoscounseling.com/coaching-packages

https://www.avoscounseling.com/freebie

https://www.instagram.com/avoscounseling/

Keywords: polyvagal theory, vagus nerve, nervous system regulation, mental health, trauma, co-regulation, mindfulness, emotional well-being, self-care, healing techniques

In this episode of The Connected Community Podcast, Nicky Yazbeck is joined by Kate Evans, a psychologist and life and home decluttering coach, to explore the deeper emotional and psychological layers of decluttering. Together, they unpack why letting go of possessions can feel overwhelming and why clutter is rarely just about the physical items piling up.

Kate shares how decluttering is intimately tied to mental health, values, and personal history, highlighting the role of anxiety, depression, relationships, and even upbringing in shaping our attachment to things. She explains how sentimental value, the sunk cost fallacy, and the weight of family heirlooms often stand in the way of creating clear, intentional spaces. The conversation distinguishes between clutter and organization, emphasizing that true decluttering isn’t about perfect systems but about aligning one’s environment with one’s life and personality.

Kate also introduces her upcoming book, Ditch Your Sht: Decluttering Your Mindset to Declutter Your Home*, due out this October. Drawing from her own experiences, she encourages listeners to approach decluttering with compassion, understanding that they are not broken or failing if they struggle with it. Instead, the process is about acknowledging emotional barriers, facing fears, and creating sustainable systems that genuinely support well-being and joyful living

Takeaways

Chapters:

00:00 The Emotional Weight of Decluttering

04:01 Understanding Sentimental Attachments

06:47 The Sunk Cost Fallacy in Decluttering

09:44 Navigating Guilt and Responsibility

11:58 The Challenge of Family Heirlooms

14:32 Letting Go of Expectations for Future Generations

16:00 The Burden of Multiples and Unused Items

22:26 Decluttering Electronics and Boxes

23:34 The Dangers of Excess: Kitchen Tools and Gadgets

24:42 Mindset Around Scarcity and Abundance

26:36 Understanding Emotional Attachments to Items

28:19 Managing Linens and Towels Effectively

29:43 Clutter vs. Organization: The Tetris Master

32:09 One In, One Out: Maintaining Decluttered Spaces

35:27 The Motivation Behind Decluttering

39:52 Introducing 'Ditch Your Shit': A New Approach to Decluttering

Connect with me:

https://nickyYyoga.com

https://www.youtube.com/@TheConnectedCommunity

[email protected]

Connect with Kate:

https://www.soulfulspacecoaching.com/

@katesevans.coaching 

Keywords: decluttering, psychology, emotional attachments, sentimental value, sunk cost fallacy, family heirlooms, organization, clutter, mental health